Bus Romance

So far, it's a story of love found between two people that are riding the bus.It isn't far into their love yet!

Submitted:Feb 5, 2009
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That was the day
her eyes opened. Amy Grettlemen got on the bus just like any
normal day to get to that minimum wage job that she actually
enjoyed. Her bus ride lased about an hour because she had to get
onto one other bus. Daily, she would see the same people get on
and off at the same stops. Amy was a friendly, approachable young
woman so naturally, she said "hello" or "good morning" to the
passengers who also looked friendly. However, on this misty
Monday morning, a man got on that she'd never seen before.
He, later known as Ethan Jenly, sat directly in front
of her. His jeans were ripped-the opposite of Amy's Calvin Klein
dark skinny legged jeans bought by her roommate Michelle for her
last birthday. His hands looked very rough and calloused for it
only being the start of a work day. This most likely meant years
at a hardworking job, but it didn't show on his face at all. This
man's face was wrinkle free, even scar-free. It would have been
perfect-the bone structure like a model-if Amy hadn't noticed his
eyes. They looked tired but more along the lines of having not
shut for days and were full of worry.
Amy was mildly curious and held many questions. At
that moment, after seeing his green eyes, he spoke in a charming
voice suitable for his features but not his style. She had
assumed he would sound exhausted with a voice hinting with
ruggedness. The sound of his voice made Amy internally decided
for her that she would no longer be assumptions about other
people, especially this man's character. When he spoke for the
first time, after fifteen minutes into his ride, he was
explaining his appearance on the bus. Even the driver knew he
never used public transportation.

"My
Grand Am needed some work for the new year," the man
claimed.
"Hope there wasn't a wreck or anything," the driver
said.
"Nothing like that, thanks. It was either fix it or
get stares at the rumbling car when I drove down the streets with
paint chipping every five feet," he explained.
"That shouldn't take too long…no need for the bus
after a couple of days," the driver assumed.
"I guess so," he agreed.

While he said that last sentence, he looked away from the
driver's seat and glanced at Amy. She could see his restless look
fade away and being replaced by the curiosity that was still
caught in her eyes. Neither of them spoke the rest of the bus
ride. She must have been blushing scarlet red at his curious gaze
and he didn't want to talk to her. He got off the bus before she
did and she watched him go and he looked after the bus once he
stepped off and it drove away and then he watched her
leave.
Amy re-found the book in her lap that she had
completely forgotten about. Instead of seeing the words, she just
flipped pages. As she was doing this, she remembered what the
driver had said. He'd be back on tomorrow and maybe the next day.
In order to prep herself for this strangers next appearance, she
thought of the game twenty questions and thought of the twenty
questions she wanted to ask him. The list in her head went from
his name all the way to his favorite smell. She had to narrow it
down; that's for sure.
After a long hour on the bus, both with company and
without, she made it to her Animal Babysitter's job and got to
work. The dogs and cats she cared for she would baby and use that
baby sounding voice. Today, she spoke to the animals like they
were competent people. It wouldn't be considered crazy because
this is how Amy worked. She always had to talk when she took care
of the animals. Her fellow coworkers were off doing the same
thing she was. Amy Grettlemen could not keep quiet when it came
to boys. Not when she was thirteen and not now at the mature age
of twenty -two. She worked her full shift and got her ride home
from her manager. She was the lady you didn't talk to about boys
no matter how much you were bursting with a story.
Mrs. Snegger was in her sixties and would get
over-enthused at the mention of a name that sounded like it was
male. Amy turned red on a daily basis because Mrs. Snegger would
always talk about men that were clients and "definitely
ring-less." She would specifically call Amy to the front of the
shop and introduce her to the perspective men. Amy would always
have to correct her and say "perspective clients." This was a
ridiculous habit Mrs. Snegger had formed, but she kept her mouth
zipped shut while Mrs. Snegger took her home and babbled on about
the flawless men that had potential to be husbands.
Amy's two roommates, Michelle and Elizabeth, were
there at 5:30 p.m. when she got home. This was always a good
thing because it was rare that they could have dinner and
catch-up. Amy never really had news and the new guy on the bus
was definitely news. Her two college friends wouldn't ask too
many questions because they would want to get back to their
nursing/psychology studying. Amy did online courses and they
weren't too much trouble. The conversation went smoothly and
predictably; except at the part where Amy described her morning
bus ride. That is when things went off track and both Michelle
and Elizabeth stopped speaking the same words at the same time
and instead became two different people.

Michelle yelled, "WHAT?"
Elizabeth shouted, "TELL US EVERYTHING!"

Amy
explained what had happened-how she saw him and was immediately
curious which never happened with the Animal Babysitter's men.
She told them about his appearance being different from his face
and voice. Her story-telling abilities must have been amazing
because Amy's roommates' jaws were practically to the floor. They
launched back into yelling.

"This is seriously amazing!" Elizabeth said.
"UNBELIEVEABLE!" Michelle added, yet still
shouted.
Calmly, Amy said, "How so? I mean, it's just a guy on
my bus-a complete enigma. I'm not going to talk to him."
Startled, the two girls said, "Why not? You speak to
everyone else."
"Not true," denied Amy, "I just say 'good morning' to
them."
Trying to not sound bossy, Michelle said, "Okay, then
you should say hi to him tomorrow morning and smile. Do not turn
red like you usually do or else you will blow it!"
"Gee, thanks for the advice. You aren't a dictator at
all" Amy said sarcastically.

All
three of the girls laughed and finished up their dinner. Amy
wasn't regretting that she told the two her random newcomer
story. It was nice having something to actually talk about and to
not sound monotonous. She did regret letting it interfere with
her sleeping that night. She woke up twice to check that her
outfit was presentable. She woke up another time to see if her
face was blemish free. Everything was fine of course.
Her alarm rang off at 7:10 a.m. and she sluggishly
got out of bed to get dressed and ready. She decided against
putting her uniform on and instead settled on some nice jeans and
a pretty sweater. Working with dogs, there was no need to look
your best. Yesterday morning she was working with the smaller
dogs that didn't shed so she wore her dark jeans. Contrasted to
yesterday, today's jeans would be seen because she wouldn't wear
her long, old, puffy coat. Today, she would wear her special
occasion grey woolen coat that tightens at the waist to bring
attention to her hourglass figure. When dressing, Amy thought it
was a wasted effort. It's just a boy, she thought. Then
she looked in the mirror on her way out and felt good about
herself. Even if she gets no appraising glances, she'll have a
confidence within her.
When taking the bus in the morning, people establish
their own seat. This morning when she stepped up onto the bus,
her seat was occupied by that man. He'd gotten on before her
today…weird. She was actually a bit angry that he had taken her
seat. He obviously didn't know the rules of public
transportation-you don't take peoples seats. After sitting down
across from him, she brought out her book.

"Hello. Good morning," he spoke to Amy.
"Hi." she shot right back not taking her eyes from
her book. Amy was the type to hold grudges and she didn't want to
speak to him.
"Not a good morning then," he spoke with
sincerity.
"Well, no offense to you…" she began but paused when
she realized his name was unknown still.
"Ethan," he told her at the pause.
"Oh, Ethan then, no offense, but you took my seat,"
Amy told him honestly.
"I'm so sorry. I hadn't realized people were picky
about their seats on a bus," he said apologetically and actually
sounded remorseful.

Amy
was slightly taken aback by home kind he was being. They had an
extra hour to talk so she put a smile on and talked to him for
real now.

"That's really quite alright. It's just a seat after all. I'm
Amy. I accidentally overheard your conversation yesterday
morning-last bus ride for you forever eh?"
"Actually," he began, "the place never called me so
you'll see me tomorrow. I found a stop closer to my place so I'll
be sure not to get in your seat next time."
Amy laughed, "That would be wonderful."

She
didn't really have anything else to keep the conversation going.
She looked back down to her book.
Mark was surprisingly talkative and the conversation
kept up nicely. She was committing to memory the entire
conversation until the hour was up and she had to leave. Before
her stop she remembered he had gotten off before her so she had
to ask him about it.

"You
got off before me yesterday; did you miss your stop?"
He embarrassingly answered, "No. I don't know the bus
routes well and asked the driver where I should really get off
and on the bus. He saved me an extra five minutes standing in the
cold. I see you have a sweater on, it's nice. I should probably
invest in one."
"Thank you, sweaters do keep a person warm. Try
Express, they have some very handsome looking sweaters," she
said.
Mark laughed and said, "I'll do that. Handsome
looking ones you say? I need them then."
It was her stop and as she walked out of the bus, she
said to him, "No…you don't need the sweater to look
handsome. Have a good day and I'll see you tomorrow."

Amy
walked into work feeling very proud of herself for not wrecking
the morning by sounding unintelligent or ditzy. Not that it was
easy to be those things for her, but when it came to boys, she
wasn't exactly an expert. Before her shift, she sent a quick text
to Elizabeth while getting dressed into sweats and a bigger
t-shirt. Michelle would be with Elizabeth and she could relay the
message about Ethan to her. She also didn't want to waste
minutes. I may be talking on the phone more frequently
she thought to herself.
A split second after she sent that text, her inbox
had Elizabeth's reply. It said that Michelle and she would be
home for dinner again and they would indeed be having a chat
about this episode between Ethan and Amy. Amy was very excited
about being able to re-connect with the girls. She was losing
touch and this situation was the only one that could keep them on
track as best friends. Michelle and Elizabeth had been worrying
about Amy for a while now. Not anymore.
Amy rushed through her work of playing with the dogs
and noticed a few people were short some animals to care for. Amy
had four but figured she may ask the other workers if they
wouldn't mind helping out. For the first time in the three years
of working at Animal Babysitters', Amy was going to ask to leave
early. She didn't want to rush dinner because she had to do her
History online class. If leaving was for educational purposes,
surely Mrs. Snegger wouldn't be mad if she left. She called
Elizabeth from the work phone to ask if she'd be home in a couple
of hours to get her from work. Unfortunately, she had Nutrition
class to go to and more unfortunate news followed; that means
Michelle would be with her. The afternoon buses were always
crowded, but dinner with the girls was worth it. Plus, Ethan
could be on the bus and that reason alone made up her mind to
just take the bus home.
Well, he wasn't on the bus, but she managed to get
home, do her online class just in time for the roomies to arrive
home. Then Amy got started on dinner. None of them were even
sitting at the dinner table before the questioned erupted from
Michelle and Elizabeth. They'd always been like this-from the
freshmen orientation up until now. The conversation or rather,
the examination process once again started with the roommates
simultaneous "TELL US EVERYTHING." This time, she would have more
of a story besides the one from the previous dinner. This time,
Amy had a name and an hour of conversation to go along with it.
Not to mention the fact that she also got a compliment out of
this man.

Mouths open, the girls said "No way" like they do in the
movies.
Naturally, Amy had to follow up with an excited
"Way!" which she did unashamed. After this cliché moment, the
real story unfurled.
"We talked during the entire bus ride before I had to
get off. When he complimented me, I actually accepted it and said
something back besides a 'thank you'. I don't think I blushed
because he never laughed at me. But he did laugh! And it was a
good hearty laugh. It was shocking even to me that I didn't mess
anything up. There wasn't an exchange of numbers, but hopefully
Wednesday, I mean tomorrow…"
Michelle cut her off and said, "You mean Thursday.
Tomorrow is Thursday."
Confused, Amy said, "But my classes…I got my work
done today."

They
reminded her that it is online courses she is taking-you do them
on your own time. Amy relaxed at once. She was stuck in Michelle
and Elizabeth's routine so much so that she forgot her
own.

"Well then," she started up into her story again, "there was no
number exchange but hopefully tomorrow, Thursday. I should
probably start asking him questions to see if he's not a psycho
killer or a stalker. His car should've been fixed by now, yet he
is still taking the bus. What do you guys think?"

Michelle's opinion was to go ahead and figure him out using
questions. Elizabeth's opinion was more detailed. She suggested
to ask questions also but to make sure it stayed friendly and
wouldn't stray into a game of cross examination. She told Amy
that a guy knows if someone is looking for the serial killer in
him and to keep the questions about current subjects; aka normal
things.
Elizabeth had a history with all types of guys. Her
brothers (four to be exact) ranged from jock and nerd to musician
and bum. She knew what guys thought of girls who asked too much
too fast and those were the girls who were turn-offs. She was a
good friend to Amy by her knowledge. Michelle had the physicality
part for Amy to know as well. Both friends were vital to her
blossoming into a confident woman.
Michelle was a fashionista. She wore the prettiest
scrubs when she had clinical. This obsession was also the cause
of her money problems. Mall adventures were practically a weekly
tradition. Amy was smart enough to only go once a month. However,
when meeting a new boy, Michelle felt it was necessary that Amy
need to buy a new wardrobe. She thought it was great that Ethan
complimented her sweater, but she had to try out other clothes
also and to avoid that same sweater for about two weeks or else
he may think she was trying too much by wearing it more than once
in two weeks. Amy sighed.

"Do
you want our help or not?" Michelle asked rather rudely.
"Yeah! We want to improve your knowledge and looks,
not change you completely." Elizabeth added hearing Michelle's
rude sounding remark.
"Oh, I know, I know," Amy said innocently, "it's just
that this is a lot to take in and do. We have school and I have
work to worry about."
"No worries Amy dear. Friends always come first,
"Elizabeth said.
"Exactly. See? We are here for you. You don't work
tomorrow and instead of dinner, we'll hit the mall and grab a
snack there." Michelle said excitedly.
"Oh! Crap! I don't work on Thursday's do I? I won't
see him and I didn't tell him that. I said 'see you tomorrow'"
Amy was spastically saying.
"Calm. Calm it down. This is not the end of the
world," once again simultaneously said by the girls.
"Okay, you're right," she took a deep breath and
continued, "Amy can play a little hard to get. It's just one day,
he won't think I've died tragically."
"That's the spirit Crisis over then. I'm going to
finish dinner and go workout. Would you like to join me Amy? You
never come!" Michelle pleaded.
"Sure, why not. I'm doing new things, exercise may as
well count," Amy agreed happily.

The
two hurried with dinner and Michelle let Amy borrow some workout
clothes. Amy owned none but was luckily skinny as Michelle was.
At the gym, there were a lot of men like the ones at the shop and
she didn't get that same spark like she had with Ethan Jenly.
That spark wasn't there but the mens' girlfriends that
accompanied them were sure alert. Their glares were like daggers.
Amy had no choice but to look straight ahead at that treadmill
for fear the glares would get her and bring her down. Michelle
babbled on about the equipment they would use next. Amy was
trying to pay attention the best she could but failed and her
thoughts went to Ethan and overpowered her concentration
abilities. Michelle noticed the difference but wasn't angry with
her. She did quit speaking about the machines and started on the
olypticals.
Amy was getting energetic from all the exercising
which was an oxymoron. Doing a workout had Amy ready to tackle
anything whereas when she sat home watching her shows, she was
dead tired. She felt good doing something different and would for
sure come back to that gym. She let Michelle in on how much fun
she was having and Michelle smiled. Next time, Elizabeth would
come and the three of them would have a great time.
When Michelle had had enough, they went home. It was
just in time for her Wednesday reality show, but Amy chose to
tivo it and read. She hadn't been able to read for a couple of
days now and she always finished a book each week. It was a
tradition. Her book, Strangers to Lovers, was oddly
enough about what was going on in her own life currently. Girl
meets boy and has pleasant conversations but the worry of never
seeing him again always loomed in the background. She became so
consumed with the story, seeing as it was made for her, that she
finished it. And in the end they found each other again and
everything was fabulous she quoted to herself from the last
sentence. Then Amy looked at the clock by her head and it read
12:10 a.m. How on earth had I stayed up so long? she
wondered aloud. When did the girls say goodnight-if they even
had? she questioned.
Time was really escaping Amy these days, and although
she liked the reasoning behind it, she didn't want to miss
anything. She had her last year of school by doing a few online
classes and could literally not afford to receive a bad grade.
There were two months left and this was almost crunch time.
However, Amy had longed for someone to share her stresses with to
take them away. There was no point in dropping Ethan because she
was finally getting what she wanted out of life; a partner. All
of these big scary thoughts were enough to get her sleeping and
she slept peacefully and dreamlessly through most of the
night.
It was almost 10:00 a.m. when her dream woke her up.
From conversation last night, she had dreamy about Ethan actually
being a crazy stalker guy. He got off the bus with her one day
and was close behind her while she went into work. Before she
could grasp the door handle, he snatched her back, threw her in a
nearby car, and she was powerless. That was the worst part of it,
being powerless. That was the end of the dream. Good thing it was
Thursday and she didn't have to see him. Most likely, she'd pass
right by him and sit at the back of the bus and avoid him. Dreams
don't really mean anything though do they?
Amy spent her Thursday morning and afternoon catching
up on everything. She clearly skipped a day during the week.
Maybe it was a Tuesday morning she had met Ethan. She didn't work
Monday's either but somehow, a day of the week fell away. Back to
the present; Thursday was a day for laundry and cleaning the
apartment. Thursday was a grocery shopping day for thing that
were running low like milk or toilet paper. Amy loved doing all
that type of shopping so Michelle and Elizabeth would make lists
and leave money so she could go shopping. Thursday was also set
as a day for renting a movie in case there was nothing going on
around town throughout the weekend.
The grocery store wasn't crowded. Typically of
Thursdays, it wasn't so the shopping went rather quickly. She
practically danced around the store throwing things left and
right into the cart. Items she needed were always in the same
spot. The cart was full fifteen minutes into shopping and she
proceeded to the number seven checkout where Danny worked.

"Hell there Miss Amy," Danny greeted.
"Hi Danny. Is today treating you well?" Amy said.
This was how their conversations went-Amy loved the old
man.
"Oh, you know, Thursdays are always okay. You look
different though…" he trailed off when Amy started
blushing.
A little embarrassed because her change in appearance
was noticeable, Amy said "Yeah, the girls convinced me to start
wearing makeup on a daily basis. You know them."
"Those girls…tell them I say 'hello' and
'congratulations.'" Danny said.
Confused, Amy asked, "Congratulations for what
exactly?"
"Congratulations for bringing you confidence, enough
to get you wearing makeup on your own terms." he answered
"Of course. I will relay the message." By that time
the groceries were rung and bagged so the two said their every
Thursday goodbye.
As she was putting the food away after walking with
the bags to the apartment, she was thinking about what Danny had
said. She did feel much better with makeup on. It wasn't at all
about covering her true self. Amy took her little features and
made them irresistible. Suddenly, her light brown eyes popped and
glistened. Her lashes were long and full reaching up to her
perfectly arched eyebrows. The foundation she wore left a smooth
and even complexion with a subtle hint of color to her fair
face.
The last thing the mirror reflected back to Amy was
her lips. Both top and bottom were amazingly full. Amy then
smiled rather large and the red lipstick revealed a very white
set of teeth. She was beautiful, like a model, and could take any
man's breath away. Today though, as she was standing at the
mirror, she took her own breath away. Looks usually take a person
away from reality, but Amy was using her looks for herself. If
Ethan happened to approve, then good for him Amy thought.
There was no doubt in the world that he would
disapprove. It hit hard when Amy remembered he may not even be on
the bus again Friday morning. She could be hopeful, yes, but that
was probably a waste of time. Things didn't work like they do in
the movies. She practically had promised to see him today and she
let him down. He'll go back to his normal life with the
perception that she's a terrible person. Her first chance at love
(since her random nights Michelle and Elizabeth would hand her
possibilities) and she goes ahead and blows it.
It was already three o'clock by the time she cleaned,
went grocery shopping, did the laundry, and truly saw herself in
the mirror. She forgot to rent a movie, but less money spent so
it wasn't devastating. There was really nothing else to do so she
slept until the door to the apartment unlocked. The girls were
home.

They barged right into Amy's room. "And what are you
doing in bed young lady? Sick?" Another game of twenty questions
was about to ensue. Elizabeth was the leader.
"I just got sleep after cleaning and everything-it
took longer than usual" Amy gave them a look to blame them for
the massive cleaning duty she accomplished.
"Whatever," Michelle started up with attitude, "it's
practically finals week already. I make a mess of the apartment
this time and next week I'll be ripping my hair out! I'm
sorry."
"Wow," Amy was shocked, "that's a bit extreme. I can
help you study if you need it that badly. I was just kidding
about the apartment being a disaster area."
Elizabeth got back into the conversation. "Your eyes
are very expressive…especially with makeup on. It was hard to
tell you were joking. Finally taking my tips and it works."
"Oh…about that," Amy said embarrassingly, "I figured
I'd try it today to see if it's effective. Obviously I'm doing it
right."
"That's right; you'll get to see that boy tomorrow
won't you?" Michelle asked.
"Not likely." Amy said glumly.
"And why not?" Elizabeth asked with force.
"He wasn't supposed to be on the bus for more than
two days. I harvested optimism for nothing!" Amy replied.
The girls then tried to soothe poor Amy the rest of
the night by being nothing but positive. "No negative Nancy will
live here!" Michelle said. That put a laugh on Amy's face. They
could feel Amy's good spirits rising back up so they felt free to
all go to sleep.
"Sweet dreams ladies. Must go and get my beauty rest
if I'm to see Ethan again." Amy cheerfully said. She then
departed to her room and left the girls high fiving each other
for fixing the bad mood of Amy. That night she dreamt both
quietly and peacefully.
Eight hours later, Amy awoke to realize she didn't
have an outfit picked out for the day. Her makeup was all mixed
up with the rest of the junk in her purse, and her jewelry was
all tangled up with other jewelry. What a way to start off a
Friday. She called to the girls for help and Michelle came.
Together, they started everything out.
It was a bit warmer outside, so Amy wore a lighter
shade jean. The top Michelle picked out for her was a very
noticeable pink color, but she promised it'd look great with
Amy's hair and eyes. It was a low-cut top too so Amy picked out a
nice silver necklace to wear. Amy told Michelle to go back to
sleep because there was no way she'd put on makeup with someone
behind to watch and critique.
Day two of wearing makeup on her own accord went
smoothly. She chose a dark grey for the eye shadow but only a
little bit. Her mascara did its job because her lashes curled
right up to her arched eyebrows and lasted for miles. There was
no point in blush because her cheeks could turn bright on their
own. Not to seem too "Barbie", she put on a light pink shade of
lip gloss. The process was complete.
Running out of time, she quickly straightened her
hair. The weather didn't call for rain so there were no worries
about her hair frizzing or curling up. The temperature was cool
but not enough to wear a hat so her hair wouldn't have to go
flat. Things were actually going well. That had to be a sign that
it would stay that way. Right?
At the bus stop, Amy was rocking from side to side.
It was difficult to stay still while her stomach was doing flips.
He'd be on the bus before her. She'd have an hour to learn more
about him. Then again, he could have his Grand Am fixed and drive
right past her. Wouldn't that be mortifying? Bad things were
building up within her mind. The bus was turning the corner and
the moment of truth had arrived.
He was there. He wasn't supposed to be, but he was
and he sat in the seat which would be across from her, like the
other time. His eyes smiled, his back straightened, and he didn't
wait for Amy to start talking first.

"What happened to yesterday? Are you alright?" he asked the
questions very seriously.
"I'm sorry. It completely slipped my mind that I
don't work on Thursdays. Hope I didn't worry you." Amy
answered.
"Well it did worry me but I am glad that you're
alright. I rode the bus an extra day for nothing." Ethan
said.
"You car is fixed. That's good Ethan. This'll be our
last hour today then I take it." Amy said.
"Look like it. I only rode the bus today to let you
know and make sure you weren't sick or damaged." he said.
"I would have let you know, but I don't have your
phone number. I felt bad." she said.
"Oh you don't do you?" he began smiling, "get pen and
paper because this cannot be our last hour together."
"Likewise for you…actually, I'll just put you in my
phone now." They exchanged numbers into each other's phones.
Amy's name should be the first he sees-she checked quickly.
"Now, please don't wait three days to call." he
joked.
"I should say the same thing. You are the man after
all. I guess we can both break the rules." she joked back.
"Be by the phone-I'll most likely have things to say
to you, Amy."

She
smiled when he said her name because he smiled while he said it.
He was adorable and Amy was already swooning. If she was
standing, she would've buckled at her knees because he kept
getting better and better.

"I
was too fast to ask if you were okay that I completely forgot to
mention that you look amazing. Why are you wearing makeup today?"
he asked.
"Oh my silly roommates like to beautify me." she
replied.
Ethan laughed and it almost put her in a trance. The
he spoke, "They are silly roommates aren't they then. To think
they can beautify you with makeup when you are already beautiful
naturally."
"You, Ethan Jenly, are quite the charmer. It's okay
though. Thank you very much. It's a rarity that I get compliments
that matter." she said.
He was in denial; "I highly doubt that Miss Amy
Grettleman."
"You're silly just like my roommates." she
said.
"Well then, I should probably meet them." he
said.
"It's almost finals week. They are going nuts, as
will I. Let's give it a couple of weeks-if you do call me that
is." he said.

When
she was with Ethan, it was easy for her to not be so reserved and
speak what she wanted to speak. He knew how to act and what to
say which rubbed off on her. She hadn't screwed anything up.
Things were too perfect and for once, Amy didn't feel like
something bad would happen because of it.
Throughout the rest of the bus ride, the two joked
and complimented each other. There was an older couple on the bus
that looked at them then looked at each other. The lady leaned
over to Ethan and said "You all are going places" then turned
into her husband to cuddle. Amy heard Ethan say "thank you" to
the older woman and it piqued her curiosity.
She smiled to the older couple and turned back to
Ethan sitting across from her. "And what exactly was that?"
He smiled a very cute smile and crossed the bus to
sit next to her. At that, her heart beat wildly. He had never
been this close to her before. Her cheeks flushed like she knew
they would. He loved that apparently because he put his arm
gently around her and was honest with what the lady had said. The
older man looked up and nodded at Ethan. That was a "thumbs up"
in guy lingo; even Amy knew that.

"You're still red. I'll go back to my seat now." Ethan
said.
"No, no, it's okay. This is oddly nice even if your
PDA is being shown on a bus." Amy said.
"So high-school to worry about that. I couldn't pass
a whole hour talking to you again without being closer to you.
Leaning across the bus doesn't do much." he admitted.
"That's sweet, but we haven't even been on a date
yet." she said.
"Why wait to see a physical connection then? Now we
can have more fun on the first date because the spark is there.
Don't you agree" he asked.
Hesitantly, Amy agreed. "I suppose you are
right."